Beyond emergency coverage: Three alternative uses for locum tenens

In many hospitals, locum tenens is synonymous with emergency coverage. Here are three less common, yet equally beneficial, ways to use locums physicians:

1. Try out a new physician
Locum tenens allows both parties – the physician and organization - the ability to assess whether there is a good fit before signing on for something permanent. Even if you don’t go the working-interview route, a locums provider can be a great stand-in while you vet permanent candidates.

2. Start a new service
Starting a new service can be risky, but utilizing locum tenens enables you to assess the viability of the service without committing to a permanent hire. This allows facilities to minimize investments in new services, while still aiming to expand the bottom line.

3. Fight physician burnout
Providing locum tenens coverage for permanent physicians to take a break can work wonders in the battle against burnout and turnover. Locums physicians are also a great solution when your staff feels overworked, but there is not sufficient demand to hire another permanent physician.

Want to learn more about how to use locums at your facility? Visit mdainc.com or call 800.780.3500.